# Terra Mystica: Mini expansion

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2015
- **BGG Rating**: 8.2
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-5 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 60-150 min
- **Weight**: 3.76 / 5
- **Designers**: Helge Ostertag, Jens Drögemüller
- **Artists**: Dennis Lohausen
- **Publishers**: Feuerland Spiele, Capstone Games, Korea Boardgames, Mandala Jogos, White Goblin Games, Z-Man Games
- **Categories**: Civilization, Economic, Expansion for Base-game, Fantasy, Territory Building
- **Mechanics**: End Game Bonuses, Income, Increase Value of Unchosen Resources, Network and Route Building, Turn Order: Pass Order, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up, Victory Points as a Resource

## Verdict
Perfect for base game fans looking for new tactical layers without adding rule bloat.Unique terrains for every factionNew ways to earn coinsInteresting scoring bonusesQuick and easy implementationVery limited content (mini-expansion)Requires base game to playRECOMMENDED

## Description
You know that special touch that turns a great game into something even deeper? The Terra Mystica: Mini Expansion (or Erweiterungsbogen) is exactly that. Originally released at Spiel 2015, it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel but rather polishes the experience with pinpoint additions that add flavor to your matches. If you've already mastered the art of terraforming and expanding your faction, this content brings extra layers of decision-making without overcomplicating the rules.

What's in the box? First, we have the Shipping Value Bonus Card, which adds a new strategic variable to the end-game scoring. Additionally, four promotional town tiles enter the fray to give your settlements a nice upgrade. But the real highlight is the special landscape tiles: each faction gets a unique terrain, bringing tactical nuances that force you to rethink where and how to expand.

To top it all off, the expansion introduces a round marker with some very interesting rules. It rewards players who manage to build Temples with extra points and grants coins to those who send Priests to Cults. In other words, that 'efficiency puzzle' game gets new incentives, encouraging you to invest in paths you might have previously ignored. It's the perfect kind of content for those who already love the base game and want that extra 'spice' to vary their sessions with friends, without needing an extra 50-page manual. Small in size, but precise in impact!

## How to Play
How to Play Terra Mystica: Special Landscapes

Objective of the Game
In Terra Mystica, players control factions with unique abilities, competing to transform terrain, build structures, and advance on cult tracks. The goal is to earn the most Victory points through strategic expansion, town formation, and cult influence. The game ends after a set number of rounds, and the player with the highest score wins.

Preparation (Setup)
Each faction receives its special landscape tile, which provides unique benefits. Place the main board, cult tracks, and scoring tiles as per the standard setup. Ensure all players have their faction-specific components, including their special landscape, which can only be placed once per game.

Game Flow
The game progresses through rounds consisting of phases like Income, Action, and Cult Bonus. During the Action phase, players can place their special landscape instead of a regular terrain transformation, following their faction's prerequisites and rules. The special landscape cannot be placed during the Cult Bonus phase.

Actions and How to Play
Special Landscapes Overview

  Each faction may place only one special landscape per game.
  It can be placed during the Action phase instead of a regular terrain transformation.
  The special landscape counts as a Structure with a Power value of 1.
  It contributes to forming Towns and triggers Power gains when adjacent to other players' structures.
  It cannot be upgraded and remains on the board for the rest of the game.


Faction-Specific Special Landscapes
Auren - Tree of Serenity: Grants 4 Victory points each time the Auren reach space 10 on a Cult track.
Witches - Raven's Blunder: When founding a Town, choose between 5 Victory points or advancing 3 steps on a Cult track.
Darklings - Camp: Counts as a Dwelling but cannot be upgraded.
Alchemists - Gloomy Workshop: Allows a one-time advance on the Shipping track or lowering the Spade exchange rate without paying a Priest.
Engineers - Bridge Tower: Enables building Land Bridges, which count for Bridge scoring.
Swarmlings - Breeding Ground: Allows Towns to grow into Cities, Metropolises, or Megacities with higher Power values.
Consulte o manual for detalhes sobre outras facções.

End of Game and Scoring
The game ends after the final round. Victory points are earned through Area Scoring, Final Scoring, and faction-specific abilities. The special landscape contributes to these scores but does not count as a Dwelling or other structure unless specified (e.g., the Darklings' Camp). The player with the most points wins.

Tips for Winning

  Plan your special landscape placement early to maximize its benefits throughout the game.
  Leverage adjacency for Power gains—placing your special landscape near opponents' structures can yield extra Power.
  Sync your strategy with faction strengths, like the Swarmlings' Breeding Ground for mega-towns or the Alchemists' Gloomy Workshop for resource efficiency.

## FAQ
### Do I need the base game to use this?
Absolutely! This is a mini-expansion, so it's designed specifically to add content to the original Terra Mystica.

### Does it make the game much more complex?
Not really. It adds new options and bonuses, but doesn't change the core structure. It's very easy to integrate.

### What actually changes with the special terrains?
Each race gets its own terrain, creating new positioning and expansion dynamics on the map.

### How many players can enjoy it?
The same as the base game: from 2 to 5 players.

### Is it worth it for beginners?
I'd recommend mastering the base game first. Once you're a pro, this mini-expansion is great for variety.

## Price Comparison
### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 10.26 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=6911787&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/16390/terra-mystica-erweiterungsbogen?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com